Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Providence, RI (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Long Beach is 71% more expensive than Providence.

$1,803/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 26%
$83,969/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 20%
$762,200 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 58%
$1,890/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 22%
458,491
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $17,197/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Providence — common questions

Is Long Beach or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Providence?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Providence?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $17,197/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Rhode Island?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Providence details →

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